The Ball State University Singers are making changes this year, from new equipment to new concert dates, to inspire more interest from students and the community.
The group recently bought a new wireless microphone sound system after the national switch from analog to digital signals, company manager Chelsea Schafer said. They used the new system for the first time last week at rehearsals.
"We had [a wireless system] last year that was purchased in the mid '90s," University Singers adviser Alan Alder said. "When everything switched over to the new [digital] format in June, the equipment we had was no longer in compliance with government standards."
University Singers received funding for the new microphones from the promotional office of the dean of College of Fine Arts, Schafer said.
"Up to [the time we got the approval] we weren't sure if we'd be able to continue because we didn't have the equipment," he added.
Schafer said the members of University Singers were nervous during the summer because they didn't know if they would get the funding they needed.
"We wanted to be able to perform to the best of our abilities," she said. "We couldn't be happier [about having the system]."
Along with the new equipment, the group also tried out a new fall concert, Alder said.
University Singers performed their fall concert on Sunday at Sursa Hall.
"It's something we decided to do to reach out more to the campus community and Muncie," he said. "Our biggest performance is normally the Spectacular in April and we're trying to generate more interest in the fall."
University Singers are also trying new advertising techniques to generate more interest, Schafer said.
They have designed new, more colorful posters and fliers as well as working on their Web site to keep it updated. The group is also working on putting together some promotional videos, Schafer said.
"I think especially with the economy, we're being more proactive about getting performances," she said. "It's important to us to have these performances."
Alder said they're trying to do everything possible to get people interested in what University Singers is doing.
"We're making an effort to touch base with student organizations," he said.
Schafer said she would like for the group to perform more across the country, but with the economy and funding, it's difficult.
"We would love to broaden our exposure," she said. "It's definitely something past the immediate future we would love to do."
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